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    Over 70,000 registered businesses are operating in Rhode Island, with a majority being micro businesses that have 10 employees or less, including the owner. Notwithstanding this, Rhode Island is home to several types of businesses, ranging from sole proprietorships and partnerships to limited liability companies and corporations.

    The Rhode Island Department of State (overseen by the Secretary of State) is usually the best source for business-related information in the state and may be able to assist you with accessing key information on businesses registered in the Ocean State.

    Choose Your Search Criteria

    • Entity Name:
      Entity Name:

      Input at least two letters of the entity’s name.

    • Individual Name:
      Individual Name:

      Enter at least two letters of the last name of key personnel, with optional first/middle name.

    • Identification Number:
      Identification Number:

      Input the exact nine-digit ID (prepend with zeros if necessary).

    • Filing Number:
      Filing Number:

      Input the 12-digit number assigned upon registration.

    • Agent:
      Agent:

      Input the name of the entity’s agent.

    • Business Address:
      Business Address:

      Enter at least the first two characters of the address.

    • Purpose:
      Purpose:

      Input the first two letters of the registered business purpose.

    • NAICS Code:
      NAICS Code:

      Search using the entity’s NAICS code.

    Refine Your Search

    • Begins with: Returns names that begin with the entered letters.
    • Exact match: Returns names that exactly match your input.
    • Full Text: Returns names containing any portion of the input.
    • Soundex: Returns names that sound like the words you entered.
    • Contains: Returns names that contain the input, similar to full-text.

    Review Search Results

    After inputting the necessary information (based on your search criteria), select the maximum number of items you want displayed per result page and then click the “search” button. The portal will generate a list of business entities that match your criteria. This list typically contains the entity’s name, ID number, NAICS, status, and address. Selecting a specific business entity provides access to more detailed information.

    Access Detailed Information

    Clicking on a specific business name gives you access to its 'entity summary,' which typically contains:

    • Its exact name (and past name, if any)
    • Its identification number
    • The location of its principal office
    • The name and address of its agent
    • Names of key personnel such as officers and directors
    • Its purpose (the services it provides)
    • Its filing history
    • The effective date of its registration

    Further Assistance

    You may contact the Rhode Island Department of State’s Business Services Division at (401) 222-3040 or via email if you require further assistance with accessing and understanding business entity information through the Business Portal.

    How To Find the Owner of a Business Entity in Rhode Island?

    You can usually find the owner of a business entity in Rhode Island through a quick online search. However, this may not be enough, especially in situations where the business does not publicly disclose this information on its official website. As such, you may need to explore additional resources to get comprehensive information on the owner or other key personnel of a business entity in Rhode Island.

    The Rhode Island Department of State’s website is usually a good place to start. This website hosts an RI Business Portal that may be used to view details like a business’s officers, directors, agents, and other key personnel.

    • Chambers of Commerce
      Chambers of Commerce

      Local chambers of commerce across Rhode Island usually maintain information about member businesses, such as their owners/executives and scope of business activities, and may provide this information to interested parties.

    • Better Business Bureau (BBB)
      Better Business Bureau (BBB)

      The BBB covering Rhode Island often provides profiles and reports on local businesses, which may include details about the business’s ownership/leadership structure, as well as customer ratings and reviews.

    • Public Records Databases
      Public Records Databases

      Court filings, real estate documents, business licenses, and other business-related records held by government agencies and professional associations may reveal information about the business’s ownership.

    Why Conduct a Rhode Island Entity Search?

    Conducting a Rhode Island entity search usually serves various purposes, including verifying a business’s registration status, finding out a business’s owners, and carrying out due diligence for contracts and business partnerships.

    • To verify that a business is properly registered and in good standing.
    • To access ownership or managerial structure details of a business.
    • To ensure transparency and trust during business transactions.
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence
    Consumer Trust + Due Diligence

    Entity searches are usually a good way to confirm that a business is properly registered and in good standing. These searches may also provide insight into the business’s managerial structure, enhancing trust and enabling informed decisions when negotiating business deals and contracts.

    Investor Research
    Investor Research

    Investors may use an entity search to evaluate a company’s structure, leadership, and good standing and get other information that may ultimately inform their investment decisions.

    Supplier Verification
    Supplier Verification

    Businesses may use an entity search to verify the legitimacy of potential suppliers and vendors during procurement negotiations and also confirm that they are in good standing.

    Fraud Prevention
    Fraud Prevention

    Individuals, organizations, and other interested members of the public may use entity searches to identify fraudulent entities and reduce the risk of falling victim to scams when entering into business deals.

    Who Holds Data for Rhode Island Business Entity Search?

    Various agencies and organizations maintain information on business entities in Rhode Island, including:

    What Entities Can You Register in Rhode Island?

    Rhodeisland Entities

    In Rhode Island, several types of business entities may be registered, with each type of business structure offering unique considerations.

    Sole Proprietorships

    Sole proprietorships are generally considered the simplest type of business structure in Rhode Island and are usually formed by a sole owner. This owner assumes unlimited personal liability for the business’s debts and obligations and also reports and pays taxes on their personal tax returns.

    General Partnerships

    General partnerships are typically owned by at least two partners, each of whom has unlimited personal liability for the business’s debts and obligations, including the actions of their partners. Similar to sole proprietorships, general partnerships do not typically need to register with the Department of State.

    Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)

    These are businesses that are typically owned by at least one owner, who is referred to as a member. The LLCs members usually have limited liability over their debts and obligations and also typically receive profits in proportion to their investment into the business, or any other agreement reached between them.

    Corporations

    These are generally owned by shareholders, who may be individuals, groups, or organizations. These shareholders have limited liability for the entity’s obligations, which is usually determined by the extent of their investment into the business. Several subtypes of corporations are recognized in Rhode Island, including:

    1. C-Corporations

      These are corporations that are taxed separately from their owners.

    2. S-Corporations

      These are considered “closely-held” corporations, meaning that their ownership is usually limited to a small number of shareholders. S-corporations do not typically pay corporate income tax, and their shareholders may report their income or losses on their personal tax returns.

    3. Benefit Corporations

      These are corporations that require a board of directors as part of their ownership structure. The liability protection for these directors may also be different from that of the other shareholders.

    How Do I Check If a Business Entity Name Is Taken in Rhode Island?

    When starting a business in Rhode Island, it is generally advisable to check that your desired business name is available for use and complies with the state’s entity name standard and other regulations.

    You may check if a business entity name is taken in Rhode Island by using the Department of State’s RI Business Portal (and selecting the “active” status option).

    Additional checks can be run via:

    How Do I Set up A Business Entity in Rhode Island?

    1. Gather necessary information including a business plan, name, and registered agent.
    2. Register the business with the Department of State. Sole proprietorships and general partnerships may need to contact local town or city clerks.
    3. Confirm your filing status to ensure the registration was accepted.
    4. Comply with tax requirements including obtaining an EIN and registering with the Rhode Island Division of Taxation.
    5. Report beneficial ownership to FinCEN, if applicable.

    How Much Does It Cost to Start a Business in Rhode Island?

    Filing fees for registering a business entity in Rhode Island typically range from $30 to $310, depending on the business structure and whether it’s a local or foreign entity.

    Other common startup costs may include:

    • Trademark or Service Mark Fees
      Trademark or Service Mark Fees

      For protecting your business identity

    • Attorney Fees
      Attorney Fees

      For legal setup and advisory services

    • License or Permit Fees
      License or Permit Fees

      Based on industry or location

    Additional Information Available on the Rhode Island Department of State’s Website

    Rhodeisland Entities
    • Online Filing System

      Electronically submit business documents.

    • Business and Trademark Search Portals

      Search for active entities and trademarks.

    • Forms and Filing Fee List

      Access registration forms and up-to-date costs.

    • Business Guides

      Helpful resources for starting, maintaining, and closing a business.

    • Business Data Hub

      Explore interactive insights into Rhode Island’s business ecosystem.

    • Identity Theft Protection

      Information on protecting individuals and businesses.

    • Contact Information

      Support channels for business filings or technical assistance.

    FAQs about Business Entity Searches in Rhode Island

    1. Why Would I Need to Search for a Business Entity in Rhode Island?

      To check state filing compliance and verify legitimacy.

    2. What Types of Entities Can I Search for in Rhode Island?

      Corporations, partnerships, LLCs, and more.

    3. Where Can I Perform a Business Entity Search in Rhode Island?

      On the RI Business Portal.

    4. What Information Do I Need to Conduct an Entity Search in Rhode Island?

      Partial business name, ID/filing number, NAICS code, address, or key personnel.

    5. How Do I Find the Official Name of a Rhode Island Business?

      Run a search using a partial name on the RI Business Portal.

    6. Can I Search for Foreign Entities in Rhode Island?

      Yes, foreign entities are searchable if registered to operate in Rhode Island.

    7. What Information Can I Find in the Rhode Island Entity Search?

      Business name, status, ID number, office location, registered agent, and filings.

    8. How Do I Verify If a Rhode Island Business Is in Good Standing?

      Order a Certificate of Status/Good Standing from the Department of State.

    9. Can I Search for an Entity in Rhode Island by Its Owner’s Name?

      Yes. Use the 'individual name' option to search by officer or director name.

    10. How Often Is the Rhode Island Business Entity Database Updated?

      Within approximately three business days after filings are processed.

    11. Can I Obtain Copies of Business Filings in Rhode Island?

      Yes, through the Department of State’s website (fees may apply).

    12. How Do I Find out Who the Registered Agent of a Rhode Island Business Is?

      Search results include the registered agent’s name and address.

    13. How Can I Search for Rhode Island Businesses by Their Tax ID Number?

      Tax ID searches are not supported. Contact the Division of Taxation.

    14. What Should I Do If I Can’t Find a Business Entity in the Rhode Island Search?

      Double-check your input and contact the Business Services Division at (401) 222-3040 or email.

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